Addiction to Alcohol/ALCOHOL ABUSE

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Expert: - 7/19/2011


Question
QUESTION: Hi Beverly,

I have been drinking for over 20 years and I am 44 now, I am so depressed over my problem and don't know how to stop. Alcohol abuse ruins on my father's side of the family very strong. I have tried meds, AA, church, and therapy. I really need your help, do you have any suggestions for me please? I am desperate, this is ruining my life. I know you're an expert in this field. Thanks so much and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tamie

Beverley Glazer MA. ICADC
Beverley Glazer MA. IC  
ANSWER: Hi Tamie,

The longer you've been drinking and the more failure you've experienced the more depressing it gets. However, you should also know that alcohol is a depressant. Also, although alcoholism is in your family, the problem isn't totally genetic, so don't worry about that.

Although you've been to AA & therapy you may have not been ready to change, so now may be the right time for you.
It may be helpful to see a therapist that is an expert in addiction, so that you can have a full drug/alcohol assessment as well as a psychological assessment based on your addiction. There may be other issues that trigger your response to 'self medicate' with alcohol.

If your life is unmanageable a rehab is another option. Not all of them are expensive, but you have to do the research.

Don't be discouraged! As they say in AA, relapse is part of recovery -- one day at a time

All the very best to you

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Beverly,

Thanks for the great advice. What do you think of the medications Campral, Nalxtrone, Topamax, or Antibuse?

Answer
Hi again Tamie,

All these medications have been tested and have received mixed results.

There is no magic solution, however, medication along with therapy can be helpful to decrease cravings.

Anti-anxiety medication is also being used, however, I don't advise using it because if you drink while on these medications, you'll feel stronger effects.

I hope this information is helpful,

Regards

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Addiction to Alcohol

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Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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